Positive air pressure ice making and dispensing system

ABSTRACT

An aseptic ice making system includes an ice making system to receive water from a water supply. The ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to produce ice and a positive air pressure subsystem to maintain a positive air pressure environment within the ice making system.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/645,817, filed on Mar. 12, 2015, and claimspriority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, from U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/645,817, said U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/645,817 is adivisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/594,242,filed on Aug. 24, 2012, claiming priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, fromU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/594,242, filed on Aug. 24, 2012;said U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/594,242, filed on Aug. 24,2012, is a continuation-in-part of PCT Patent Application NumberPCT/US2012/023565, filed on Feb. 2, 2012, claiming priority, under 35U.S.C. § 120, from PCT Patent Application Number PCT/US2012/023565,filed on Feb. 2, 2012; said U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/594,242,filed on Aug. 24, 2012, claiming priority 35 USC § 119(e) from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/540,663, filed on Sep. 29,2011, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/545,254, filed onOct. 10, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/561,490, filed on Nov. 18, 2011; said PCT Patent Application NumberPCT/US2012/023565, filed on Feb. 2, 2012, claiming priority, 35 U.S.C. §365(c), from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/438,696,filed on Feb. 2, 2011; said PCT Patent Application NumberPCT/US2012/023565, filed on Feb. 2, 2012, claiming priority, 35 U.S.C. §365(c), from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/439,996,filed on Feb. 7, 2011; and said PCT Patent Application NumberPCT/US2012/023565, filed on Feb. 2, 2012, claiming priority, 35 U.S.C. §365(c), from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/489,446,filed on May 24, 2011.

The entire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/645,817, filedon Mar. 12, 2015, is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, fromU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/594,242, filed on Aug. 24, 2012. Theentire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/594,242, filed onAug. 24, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, from PCTPatent Application Number PCT/US2012/023565, filed on Feb. 2, 2012. Theentire content of PCT Patent Application Number PCT/US2012/023565, filedon Feb. 2, 2012, is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present application claims priority, under 35 USC § 119(e), fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/438,696, filed on Feb.2, 2011. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/438,696, filed on Feb. 2, 2011, is hereby incorporated byreference.

The present application claims priority, under 35 USC § 119(e), fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/439,996, filed on Feb.7, 2011. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/439,996, filed on Feb. 7, 2011, is hereby incorporated byreference.

The present application claims priority, under 35 USC § 119(e), fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/489,446, filed on May24, 2011. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/489,446, filed on May 24, 2011, is hereby incorporated byreference.

The present application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/527,526, filed on Aug.25, 2011. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/527,526, filed on Aug. 25, 2011, is hereby incorporated byreference.

The present application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/540,663, filed on Sep.29, 2011. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/540,663, filed on Sep. 29, 2011, is hereby incorporated byreference.

The present application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/545,254, filed on Oct.10, 2011. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/545,254, filed on Oct. 10, 2011, is hereby incorporated byreference.

The present application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/561,490, filed on Nov.18, 2011. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/561,490, filed on Nov. 18, 2011, is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional ice making systems and methods can expose the structuralcomponents and water/ice to the environment which may contain manycontaminants.

An example of a conventional an ice making system and method isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,149,000. U.S. Pat. No. 2,149,000 shows amethod of making chip ice by forming an ice stick in an open ended moldimmersed in a body of water to be frozen, then warming the mold to freethe ice stick therefrom and permitting ice stick to rise by flotationand then successively cutting off chips of ice from the ice stick as theice stick rises. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 2,149,000 is herebyincorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,145,773 describes a water container having a pair ofseparate wall areas with a refrigerant evaporator associated with eachof the areas connected in parallel in a refrigerant circuit. A thermallycontrolled valve device alternately closes one and then the otherevaporator to control the flow of refrigerant therethrough. The entirecontent of U.S. Pat. No. 2,145,773 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,821,070 relates to a liquid freezing machine comprisinga freezing tube means for refrigerating a tube to freeze liquid thereininto a frozen core and means for supplying liquid to be frozen to thetube and for discharging the core from the tube and for discharging thecore from the tube including a connection to the tube for supplyingliquid to be frozen under pressure to move the core along and out of thetube and at the same time to substantially fill the tube with liquid tobe frozen. Liquid flows into the tube at a rate at least as great asthat at which the core is ejected from the tube so that the liquidpushes the core from the tube.

A control means operates to open a valve means when the core is to beejected by the liquid and then to close the valve means to substantiallystop the flow of the liquid into the tube upon ejection of the core andupon substantially filling the tube with the liquid to be frozen. A corebreaking means is disposed to engage by the core is ejected from thetube and operable to crack the core into pieces. The entire content ofU.S. Pat. No. 2,821,070 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,068,660 shows an ice making machine comprising a watertube in which ice is formed, a pump means for circulating water throughthe tube with a rate of flow sufficient to maintain substantially theentire volume of liquid water in the tube in circulation during the icefreezing operation, a means for refrigerating the water in the tube toform a deposit of ice in the tube, a means for sensing when apredetermined deposit of ice has formed in the tube, means actuated bythe sensing means for initiating a thawing operation to loosen thedeposited ice in the tube sufficiently to permit movement of the icethrough the tube and a means responsive to initiation of the thawingoperation for increasing the water flow rate to the tube to causeejection of the ice from the tube. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No.3,068,660 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,164,968 describes a liquid freezing machine comprising afreezing tube having an outlet and inlet formed at opposite endsthereof, and a means for supplying the tube between the inlet and theend adjacent thereto with liquid to be frozen through the portion of thefreezing tube between the inlet and the outlet. A refrigerating meansassociated with the freezing tube is disposed to freeze the liquid inthe tube into a solid plug. A heating means associated with the freezingtube selectively melts the frozen liquid adjacent the inside of the tubeso that the pressure of circulating liquid forces the solid plug offrozen liquid out of the freezing tube. The entire content of U.S. Pat.No. 3,164,968 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,247,677 shows an ice machine having a tubular memberwith means for pumping water through the tubular member, a means forcirculating a refrigerant in contact with an ice making zone of thetubular member, a cooling means for reducing the temperature of therefrigerant below the freezing point of water whereby circulation of thecooled refrigerant in contact with the tubular member will form icewithin the ice making zone of the tubular member and a means to bypassthe cooling means to subject the tubular member to refrigerant at atemperature in excess of the freezing point of water to free the iceformed within the ice making zone of the tubular member. The entirecontent of U.S. Pat. No. 3,247,677 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,392,540 relates to a machine for making ice pellets bycirculating water to a refrigerant-jacketed inner tube of an evaporator.A pressure sensitive switch stops the flow of refrigerant to the jacketand substitutes hot gas for thawing when the ice formed in the tube isto be harvested. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 3,392,540 is herebyincorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,242 describes a harvest control unit for anice-making machine comprising an activatable switch to provide an outputsignal for electrically initiating a harvest of ice from the machine.The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,242 is hereby incorporated byreference.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,889 shows an apparatus for transferring ice cubesfrom a first location to a remote second location including a conduitsystem between the two locations and a source of air for causing ice tobe moved through the conduit system between the two locations. Theapparatus further includes diverter means whereby ice cubes beingtransmitted from the first location to the second location may bediverted to a third location. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No.4,104,889 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,067 relates to an ice transport assembly totransport ice including a sleeve and a tapered auger. Ice at the inletis transported through a frusto-conically shaped channel and out of anoutlet by rotating the tapered auger. The entire content of U.S. Pat.No. 6,540,067 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,680 teaches a shell and tube ice-maker with a hotgas defrost having a bottom compartment in which trapped refrigerant gasis present to prevent entry of liquid refrigerant into the compartmentduring ice-making and from which, during defrosting, hot gaseousrefrigerant flows upwardly into the liquid refrigerant which remains inflooded condition around the tubes, whereby delay in initiating furtherice-making is minimized. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,680is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,406 relates to an ice machine comprising acondensate collection unit disposed beneath an evaporator to collectcondensate therefrom and a sump to remove condensate from the icemachine without making contact with recirculated water. The entirecontent of U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,406 is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,387,899 shows an ice-making machine to freeze flowingwater within an elongated ice-forming tube into an elongated ice stickor rod and then defrosting the elongated ice-forming tube to release theelongated ice stick or rod therefrom. Once released, the ice stick orrod is broken up into small pieces or fragments for use in icing watercoolers or other such structures. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No.2,387,899 is hereby incorporated by reference.

In the various conventional systems for making and dispensing ice, theconventional ice maker receives water from a water system (thattypically has minimum water quality standards) and makes ice whileexposing the water, the forming ice, and the ice to ambient air. Byallowing the pre-frozen water and the ice to be exposed to the ambientenvironment, airborne pathogens may come in contact with the water/ice,thereby potentially contaminating the product with harmful pathogens.

For example, the average 1 cubic meter of air contains 35,000,000particles. In the conventional systems, there is a potential sanitationproblem with the exposure of the ice to airborne pathogens. Also, theconventional systems need continual sanitation of the equipment toprevent microbial growth due to airborne mold and bacteria contaminatingthe moist surfaces of the conventional ice machines.

This exposure to airborne pathogens can lead to visible contamination,unpleasant odors, reliability issues, health inspector issues, andcontaminated ice.

In many conventional ice machines, the conventional ice machines drawair for the cooling cycle from the floor drain below the ice machine. Bydrawing air from below the ice machine, near the floor drain, theconventional ice machines are drawing from a high probable contaminatedsource, thereby illuminating the need to reduce/eliminate the exposureof the ice making process to the ambient conditions, especially when theambient conditions have a high probability of having harmful pathogenstherein.

In addition, ice machines, conventionally, have relied upon manualsanitizing, automatic sanitizing, ozone, chlorine dioxide, and/orultraviolet light to reduce/prevent microbial growth.

With respect to manual cleaning, it is conventionally recommended bymanufacturers to be done every six months. This process istime-consuming, may require hazardous chemicals, bin cleaning isdifficult and disruptive and leads to possible ice waste, and issusceptible to timing and quality issues with respect to when or howwell the manual process is performed.

With respect to automatic sanitizing, this process conventionally onlysanitizes water contact areas, does not clean the bin or dispenser,and/or may lead to a false sense of security, making the operatorincorrectly believe that the ice machine is being fully sanitized.

With respect to ozone, this process conventionally is highly effective,but the process can be toxic if overdone or ineffective if done toolittle. The ozone process also does provide a reliable measurement ofthe quality of the sanitizing process, reacts with rubber parts, and/ordoes not clean the bin. Lastly, ozone generators can be expensive andrequire periodic maintenance.

With respect to chlorine dioxide, this process conventionally is highlyeffective, but is costly and potentially hazardous.

With respect to ultraviolet light, this process conventionally can behighly effective, but significant safety and maintenance issues.

In summary, the various conventional systems have drawbacks, can rely onhazardous material, and/or not all clean the ice bin, thereby preventingthe production of clean ice.

Conventional systems allow ice machines to get dirty from airbornecontamination and then attempt to kill the microorganisms after themicroorganisms contaminate the machine.

Conventionally, the microorganisms may be killed after thesemicroorganisms have entered the food zone of the ice machine by activelykilling the pathogens using treated surfaces in the food zone,ultraviolet light, or ozone; or by shutting down the machine and killingthe pathogens with chemicals which may be poisonous to humans.

An example of a treated surface is the addition of an anti-microbialagent, such as Agion™ anti-microbial, to the materials used to constructthe food zone of the ice machine.

It is noted that using an anti-microbial surface material is onlyeffective in killing pathogens if the pathogens come into direct contactwith the anti-microbial surface material. This is also true with the useof ozone or ultraviolet light.

However, in the conventional ice machine environment, using this methodof killing pathogens is not effective because the ice in the storage binis mostly in contact with itself, not with the anti-microbial surfacearea material of the ice machine. Moreover, if slime covers theanti-microbial surface area material, the anti-microbial surface areamaterial must be washed to regain its killing effectiveness.

In contrast, high efficiency particulate filtered positive air pressurekeeps an ice machine and bin from being contaminated with air-bornemicroorganisms. In other words, high efficiency particulate filteredpositive air pressure prevents air-borne microorganisms from enteringthe ice making environment, thereby substantially eliminating the needto clean the ice making system.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an ice machine that keeps thewater, the forming ice, and the ice stored in the ice bin clean.

Moreover, it is desirable to provide an ice machine that makes andstores ice in a cleanroom environment, by preventing contamination andbiological growth, keeping the ice and equipment clean at all times,avoiding the use of hazardous materials, and virtually (effectively)eliminating the need to sanitize.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an ice machine thatsubstantially eliminates the exposure of the ice making and storingprocess from ambient contaminants and/or other harmful biologicalgrowth, keeping the ice and equipment clean at all times, avoiding theuse of hazardous materials, and virtually (effectively) eliminating theneed to sanitize.

In addition, in the conventional ice machine environment, there are twozones: the food zone and the mechanical zone, in which there arenumerous holes that need to be plugged between the food zone and themechanical zone, thereby resulting in many holes not being properlysealed during the manufacture process.

If the mechanical zone has a condenser with a fan, the fan will blow ordraw air through the condenser to dissipate the heat created when makingthe ice. In other words, when the condenser fan is turned ON, thecondenser fan can blow or draw air through the food zone if the foodzone is not sealed properly.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an ice machine that includes asealed unitary condenser unit that has a condenser, fan, and fan motor,thereby effectively reducing the air which may be blown into or drawnfrom the food zone.

As noted above, in the conventional ice machine environment, when thecondenser fan is turned ON, it creates either positive or negative airpressure in the mechanical zone which in turn pushes or pulls ambientair through the food zone.

However, the condenser fan is only turned ON intermittently. Thus, whenthe condenser fan is OFF, and ice is dropped out from an ice automaticice dispenser, the ice is replaced by air, which is usually sourced fromoutside the food zone.

In a solution proposed above, high efficiency particulate filteredpositive air pressure is realized to prevent air-borne microorganismsfrom entering the ice making environment.

However, when high efficiency particulate filtered positive air pressureis provided in the ice machine, it has the adverse effect of meltingsome of the ice.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an ice machine that includes ahigh efficiency particulate filtered positive air pressure environmentand reduces ice melt.

It is further noted that high efficiency particulate air filtered icemachines need to have field service when installed and continued servicethereafter. This service may include commissioning the machine bytesting with a certified particle counter and classifying the icemachine with the correct cleanroom classification.

Over time, additional testing is required to verify that the ice machineis maintaining its cleanroom standard, particularly after any filterchange.

Also, the ice machine needs to be cultured on a regular basis so that ifthe ice machine ever becomes biologically unsafe, the ice machine can besanitized as needed. If the owner of the ice machine does not continueto maintain the cleanroom standard because of not changing the airfilter or not culturing on a regular basis, people may become ill fromeating the ice from the machine.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an ice machine that includes ahigh efficiency particulate filtered positive air pressure environment,wherein the ice machine cannot be operated unless a proper highefficiency particulate air filtering system has been installed.

In addition, it is desirable to provide an ice machine that includes ahigh efficiency particulate filtered positive air pressure environment,wherein a culture of the ice machine can be realized withoutsubstantially interrupting the high efficiency particulate filteredpositive air pressure environment.

Lastly, as noted above, in a high efficiency particulate air filteredice machine, the high efficiency particulate air filters must be changedon a regular basis to maintain clean ice. Also, the actual highefficiency particulate air filter that is used should meet themanufacturer's standards because an inferior high efficiency particulateair filter may fail, causing the production of un-safe ice.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an ice machine that includes ahigh efficiency particulate filtered positive air pressure environment,wherein the ice machine can verify that an authorized the highefficiency particulate air filter has been installed.

In addition, it is desirable to provide an ice machine that includes ahigh efficiency particulate filtered positive air pressure environment,wherein the ice machine can monitor the life of the high efficiencyparticulate air filter and provide feedback to the owner aboutreplacement and/or shutdown the ice machine when the high efficiencyparticulate air filter is no longer effective.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating various embodimentsand are not to be construed as limiting, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a sealed positive air pressure ice making machineevaporator adaptor;

FIG. 2 illustrates pneumatic components of the sealed positive airpressure ice making machine;

FIG. 3 illustrates further pneumatic components of the sealed positiveair pressure ice making machine;

FIG. 4 illustrates a sealed positive air pressure ice making machineevaporator;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a positive air pressure ice making machine;

FIG. 6 illustrates a detail view of the ice transport and dispensingsystem;

FIG. 7 illustrates a ice making system for producing batches of ice;

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the ice transport system of the icetransport of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9 and 10 show an ice chute system of the ice transport anddispensing system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a high efficiency particulate airfiltered ice machine system;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cut-away view of the high efficiency particulateair filtered ice machine system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates the airflow of the high efficiency particulate airfiltered ice machine system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 illustrates the airflow of another high efficiency particulateair filtered ice machine system;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of high efficiency particulate airfiltered positive air pressure generation system;

FIG. 16 illustrates another example of high efficiency particulate airfiltered positive air pressure generation system;

FIG. 17 illustrates a sealed condenser unit for an ice making system;

FIG. 18 illustrates another view of a sealed condenser unit for an icemaking system;

FIG. 19 illustrates a sealed condenser unit installed within an icemaking machine;

FIG. 20 illustrates another view of a sealed condenser unit installedwithin an ice making machine;

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a high efficiency particulate airfiltered positive air pressure generation system installed on an icemaking machine;

FIG. 22 illustrates another example of a high efficiency particulate airfiltered positive air pressure generation system;

FIG. 23 illustrates a high efficiency particulate air filtered positiveair pressure generation system controlled ice making machine; and

FIG. 24 illustrates a high efficiency particulate air filtered positiveair pressure generation system using RFID tagged high efficiencyparticulate air filters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In thedrawings, like references have been used throughout to designateidentical or equivalent elements. It is also noted that the drawings maynot have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have beenpurposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and conceptscould be properly illustrated.

An aseptic ice making and dispensing system produces and dispenses icecubes in a closed loop process, thereby isolating the water supply andice from the environs during the ice making and dispensing process andvirtually eliminating exposure to contaminants normally experienced inan ice making environment.

As described below, the aseptic ice making system includes an iceproducing section to produce ice, an ice storage section to receive theproduced ice and store for subsequent dispensing, a positive airpressure system to provide a positive air environment within the icemaking machine, and a system control section to control the operationsof and environment within the aseptic ice making system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ice producing section of the aseptic ice makingsystem includes a cuber/evaporator 1 which produces the ice cubes. Theice producing section further includes a door 5, which swings out forenabling ice delivery to an ice bin (not shown). The door 5 provides anair tight seal with the ice producing section.

The ice producing section also includes a sump pump pan 3, which may bedisposable, a fan 7, and an air filter 9. The fan turns ON when the icebin is full to dry out the evaporator 1, thereby preventing the growthof mold.

The fan 7 also provides a positive air pressure environment within theice producing section, thereby substantially eliminating exposure of theice making process to ambient contaminants and/or other harmfulbiological growth.

It is noted that the air filter 9 may be a high efficiency particulateair filter, which assists in substantially eliminating exposure of theice making process to ambient contaminants and/or other harmfulbiological growth.

As shown in FIG. 2, the various pneumatic components of the sealedpositive air pressure ice making machine are illustrated. As notedabove, the ice producing section includes a combination of a condensercoil (evaporator) 1 and compressor 15 used to produce the ice cubes. Theice producing section also includes a drip tube or line 3 to divertexcess water from a drip pan (not shown) to a sump pump (not shown).

A fan unit, not shown, draws ambient air through an air filter 9, whichmay be a high efficiency particulate air filter, to push air through airflow chamber 11 and an air value 13 before the air passes over thecondenser coil (evaporator) 1.

The air value 13 opens when the fan unit is ON. The air value 13 mayautomatically close when the enclosed area reaches a predeterminedmaximum differential pressure air, thereby enabling the creation of apositive air pressure environment.

FIG. 3 shows a different view of the components of FIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 3, the ice producing section includes a combination of a condensercoil (evaporator) 1 and compressor 15 used to produce the ice cubes. Theice producing section also includes a drip tube or line 3 to divertexcess water from a drip pan (not shown) to a sump pump (not shown).

A fan unit 7 draws ambient air through an air filter 9, which may be ahigh efficiency particulate air filter, to push air through air flowchamber 11 and an air value 13 before the air passes over the condensercoil (evaporator) 1.

The air value 13 opens when the fan unit 7 is ON. The air value 13 mayautomatically close when the enclosed area reaches a predeterminedmaximum differential pressure air, thereby enabling the creation of apositive air pressure environment.

FIG. 4 shows another view of the ice producing section. As shown in FIG.4, the ice producing section includes a combination of a condenser coil(evaporator) 1 and compressor 15 used to produce the ice cubes. A fanunit 7 draws ambient air through an air filter 9, which may be a highefficiency particulate air filter, to push air over the condenser coil(evaporator) 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, an aseptic ice making system includes an iceproducing subsystem 140. The ice producing subsystem 140 includes anevaporator (not shown) and other conventional components (not shown) toproduce ice. The ice producing subsystem 140 is coupled to a watersupply subsystem 110 which may include filters (such as a reverseosmosis system) (not shown) and/or an ultraviolet system (not shown) topurify the water before the water is received by the ice producingsubsystem 140. Also, the water supply subsystem 110 may include thenecessary valves (not shown) and regulators (not shown) to control theflow of water to the ice producing subsystem 140.

The ice producing subsystem 140 is also coupled to a positive airpressure supply subsystem 130 which may include filters (such as a highefficiency particulate air filter) (not shown) and/or an ultravioletsystem (not shown) to purify the air before the air is pumped into theice producing subsystem 140 to create the positive air pressureenvironment within the ice producing subsystem 140. Also, the positiveair pressure supply subsystem 130 may include the necessary valves (notshown), fans (not shown), and regulators (not shown) to control the flowof air to the ice producing subsystem 140.

It is noted that the positive air pressure supply subsystem 140 mayinclude a pressurized air canister, which contains purified (sanitized)pressurized air, in lieu of a fan to create the positive air pressure.The pressurized air canister may contain an inert gas or other gas tohelp retard bacteria growth in the ice producing subsystem 140.

The aseptic ice making system further includes a control system 120 thatreceives signals from various sensors to control the flow of water andpressurized air to the ice producing subsystem 140.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control system 120 is operativelyconnected to an air pressure sensor 124, located in the ice producingsubsystem 140 to monitor the air pressure within the ice producingsubsystem 140. If the air pressure (air pressure differential) withinthe ice producing subsystem 140 drops below a predetermined threshold,the control system 120 causes the positive air pressure supply subsystem130 to pump air into the ice producing subsystem 140, therebymaintaining the positive air pressure and keeping the ambient air out ofthe ice producing subsystem 140.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control system 120 is also operativelyconnected to a sensor/controller 122, located in the ice producingsubsystem 140 to monitor the progress of the ice-making process withinthe ice producing subsystem 140. When the ice-making has completed acycle, the sensor/controller 122 informs the control system 120, whichcauses the water supply subsystem 110 to pump water into the iceproducing subsystem 140 in preparation for the next cycle of ice-making.

The aseptic ice making system also includes an ice storage subsystem 150which stores the produced ice prior to dispensing. As illustrated, theice storage subsystem 150 includes a dispensing door or lid 160 whichallows the stored ice to be dispensed. The dispensing door or lid 160forms an airtight seal with the ice storage subsystem 150 so as tomaintain a positive air pressure environment within the ice storagesubsystem 150.

When the dispensing door or lid 160 is opened to dispense ice, the airpressure within the ice storage subsystem 150 will decrease. The changein air pressure can be monitored by an optional air pressure sensor 126.If the air pressure (air pressure differential) within the ice storagesubsystem 150 drops below a predetermined threshold, the control system120 causes the positive air pressure supply subsystem 130 to pump airinto the aseptic ice making system or optionally directly into the icestorage subsystem 150, thereby maintaining the positive air pressure andkeeping the ambient air out of the ice storage subsystem 150.

It is noted that the aseptic ice making system may include an optionaldispensing door 170 between the ice producing subsystem 140 and the icestorage subsystem 150, thereby creating two airtight compartments.

In this alternative embodiment, the control system 120 would utilizeseparate air pressure sensors in the ice storage subsystem 150 and theice producing subsystem 140. Moreover, the control system 120 controlthe positive air pressure supply subsystem 130 to pump, independently tothe ice storage subsystem 50 and the ice producing subsystem 140.

FIG. 6 illustrates a positive air pressure ice machine including an icetransport system and an ice dispensing system. As illustrated in FIG. 6,an ice machine 230 produces ice in a positive air pressure environmentwhich includes an ice bin to break up the ice. A detail illustration ofthe ice bin is show in FIG. 7.

The ice is transported from the ice bin to a vertical auger/tube 247, byauger/tube 249. The ice is transported vertically in vertical auger/tube247 to an ice distributor 250. The ice may be distributed to an icebagging system 260 (having a door 270 for dispensing the ice), viaauger/tube 243. The ice may also be distributed to an ice bucket 210 orice/soda dispensing system 220, via auger/tube 240.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, an ice bin has multiple trays (310 and 320)that separate the ice in batches so a large volume of ice can be madeovernight and transported to the places it is needed rapidly during theday. The trays perform the function to drop frozen batches of ice overan ice breaking device 330 to break up the ice.

The trays also function to separate the produced ice into manageablevolumes so that the batches of ice are not all pushing down on the iceauger 249 at the bottom of the bin, which would tend to break theindividual cubes of ice into crushed ice.

The ice bin can auger, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the ice up to a ceilinglevel, where an ice diverter can further transport the ice to locationswhere it is needed.

FIG. 8 shows details of the ice transport system. As illustrated in FIG.8, an auger 249 moves the cubed ice in a horizontal direction towards acollection area 248 for vertical auger/tube 247.

It is noted that auger 249 may also include a tube if the cubed ice isbeing moved outside the ice bin. It is further noted that although thecollection area 248 and vertical auger/tube 247 have been illustrated asbeing located outside the ice bin, these devices can be located withinthe ice bin.

The vertical auger/tube 247 moves the ice in a vertical direction to anice distributor 250. Auger/tube 240 and auger/tube 243 distribute theice to various stations from the ice distributor 250.

It is noted that the collection area 248 may be replaced with icedistributor 250 so that vertical auger/tube 247 is eliminated. Thevertical auger/tube 247 raises the ice to a level so that gravity canalso be utilized in the distribution system.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of an ice bagging system, and FIG. 10 shows afront view of the ice bagging system. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10,ice is received by ice inlet 400. Ice inlet 400 may be connected to oneof the auger/tubes (240 or 243) of FIG. 8. The ice from ice inlet 400 isreceived by ice bagging unit 410, which bags the ice for distributionand/or sale. Ice bagging unit 410 may be a conventional bagging device.

Upon being bagged, the bagged ice travels down ice chute 420 so that thebagged ice can be retrieved through door 430. Door 430 is closed-biasedto allow the creation of a positive air pressure environment inside theice bagging device.

It is noted that the ice bagging system may include a positive airpressure supply subsystem that includes a fan and high efficiencyparticulate air filter and/or an ultraviolet system.

FIG. 11 illustrates an ice making system with a storage bin. Asillustrated in FIG. 11, an ice making device 510 creates ice that isstored in an ice bin 520 for distribution through an ice dispensingdevice 530. The ice making system includes a positive air pressuresupply subsystem 500 that includes a fan and a high efficiencyparticulate air filter and/or an ultraviolet system.

It is noted that ice dispensing device 530 may include a door, which isspring-biased shut, to allow the creation of a positive air pressureenvironment inside the ice making system. The ice dispensing device 530may also be an activatable dispensing device, which transports ice frominside the ice bin 520 to the external environment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cut-away of the ice making system of FIG. 11. Asillustrated in FIG. 12, an ice making device 510 creates ice that isstored in an ice bin 520 for distribution through an ice dispensingdevice 530, which transports ice from inside the ice bin 520 to theexternal environment. The ice making system includes a positive airpressure supply subsystem 500 that includes a fan and a high efficiencyparticulate air filter and/or an ultraviolet system.

It is noted that ice dispensing device 530 may be a door, which isclosed-biased, to allow the creation of a positive air pressureenvironment inside the ice making system.

FIG. 13 illustrates the air flow created by the positive air pressuresupply subsystem 500 for the ice making system of FIG. 11. The positiveair pressure supply subsystem 500 draws, via a fan, ambient air througha high efficiency particulate air filter and/or an ultraviolet system.The cleaned air flows through the ice making device 510 into the icestorage device 520. When ice is dispensed by ice dispensing device 530,the positive air pressure within the ice making system causes air toflow outward, thereby preventing airborne pathogens or contaminants fromentering the ice making system through the dispensing of ice.

FIG. 14 illustrates the air flow created by the positive air pressuresupply subsystem 500 for the ice making system having a door in lieu ofan active ice dispensing system. The positive air pressure supplysubsystem 500 draws, via a fan, ambient air through a high efficiencyparticulate air filter and/or an ultraviolet system. The cleaned airflows through the ice making device 510 into the ice storage device 520through a closed-biased door or hatch 540. The closed-biased door orhatch 540 opens in response to the weight of the ice from the ice makingdevice 510 or the positive air pressure in the ice making device 510when door 530 is opened.

When ice is dispensed through ice dispensing door 530, the positive airpressure within the ice making system causes air to flow outward,thereby preventing airborne pathogens or contaminants from entering theice making system through the dispensing of ice. It is noted that door530 creates an air tight seal with the ice storage device 520.

FIG. 15 illustrates a positive air pressure supply subsystem 500. Asillustrated in FIG. 15, the positive air pressure supply subsystem 500includes two air intakes 610, which have associated fans (not shown).The fans draw ambient air through the intakes 610 and causes the air topass through a high efficiency particulate air filter 620. The filteredair passes into the ice making system via air outtake 630.

It is noted that the positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 of FIG.15 may also include an ultraviolet system for killing any biologicalcontaminants.

FIG. 16 illustrates a positive air pressure supply subsystem 500. Asillustrated in FIG. 16, the positive air pressure supply subsystem 500includes a single air intake 610, which has an associated fan (notshown). The fan draws ambient air through the intake 610 and causes theair to pass through a high efficiency particulate air filter 620. Thefiltered air passes into the ice making system via air outtake 630.

It is noted that the positive air pressure supply subsystem 500 of FIG.16 may also include an ultraviolet system for killing any biologicalcontaminants.

It is noted that although the above-described embodiments are integralsystems, the positive air pressure environment can be created in aconventional ice making device by providing a sealed positive airpressure ice making machine evaporator adaptor. The sealed positive airpressure ice making machine evaporator adaptor would include anevaporator, an air filter (a high efficiency particulate air filter), afan unit, and an airtight cover/door to allow dispensing of the ice andmaintaining of a positive air pressure in the evaporator unit.

It is noted that the fan unit can be used to dry out the evaporator whenthe ice bin is full. The sealed positive air pressure ice making machineevaporator adaptor may also include a plastic disposable sump pump pan.

It is further noted that an aseptic ice making system may include anevaporator, an ice transport section, an ice storage bin and an icedispense mechanism, which are sealed in cowlings or air shields so thatall surfaces are maintained under positive air pressure.

The positive air pressure can be realized with a continual positive airflow. Alternatively, the positive air pressure can be realized by anon-continuous air pumping system or air delivery system. Thenon-continuous system would reduce the amount of ice melt because theamount of air flowing over the ice would be reduced.

In the non-continuous system, a positive air pressure fan or blowerturns ON when the air pressure in the confined area drops below apredetermined threshold; for example, about 0.5 psi.

The drop in air pressure can be the result of air leaks in the system orbecause the ice dispensing system was activated (opened) and thepressure in the enclosed area has decreased below the minimum level tomaintain enough positive pressure to keep the ambient air from enteringthe ice machine.

When the air pressure drop is sensed, an air valve opens to let blownair (via a high efficiency particulate air filter) into the enclosedarea. The fan/blower stays ON and the valve stays open until thepressure reaches a predetermined maximum threshold. Upon reaching themaximum threshold, a valve automatically closes and the fan/blower isturned OFF.

The ice machine's environment remains in a positive air pressurecondition until the differential air pressure is less than apredetermined threshold and then the positive air pressure cyclerestarts with the valve and fan/blower activating.

In most applications, positive air pressure is maintained by constantlyblowing air through a high efficiency particulate air filter andmaintaining a predetermined air pressure.

Additionally, the system may include a battery backup or uninterruptablepower source so that if there is a temporary loss of power, thefan/blower can operate to maintain sanitary conditions until the poweris restored.

The control system of the ice machine may also include memory to store adata log, so that a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plan can betracked and analyzed.

If the ice machine gets turned OFF for too long, the ice machine goesinto a “new installation mode” where a similar sanitation takes place aswhen the machine was first installed.

The ice machine may have numerous sensors; e.g., temperature sensors; tomaintain a sanitary condition and to use in the Hazard Analysis CriticalControl Point analysis and plan.

As noted above, the ice machine can optionally be fitted with waterpre-treatment systems; e.g., a reverse osmosis system; to purify thewater and prevent scaling due to mineral build-up.

It is also noted that each high efficiency particulate air filter mayhave two fans or blowers associated therewith to create a redundantsystem. Thus, if one blower/fan fails, the other blower/fan will be ableto maintain positive air pressure within the ice making system.

Each of the blowers/fans may have a tachometer electrical output thatcan sense the blower/fan shaft speed, so in case of failure of ablower/fan, a warning signal can be sent to an operator or repairservice before the other blower/fan fails.

Additionally, with a reverse osmosis system, the need to purge the waterfrom the ice machine due to mineral concentration as a result of thefreezing process would be significantly reduced. Thus, the ice machinereduces water waste in the manufacture of ice.

By using positive air pressure, an ice machine can be used to fill bagsof ice at the retail location while maintain sanitary conditions in thepackaging of ice itself.

It is noted that in an ice machine, the evaporator, ice transportsection, ice storage bin, automatic or manual ice bagging compartmentand the ice dispense mechanism may be sealed in cowlings or air shieldsso that the surfaces are maintained under positive air pressure, whichis filtered through a high efficiency particulate air filter.

Also, the packaging that the ice is put into, such as a plastic bag, areopened in the positive air pressure environment, so the air that entersthe bag or package will therefore only contain ice and air from thepositive air pressure environment.

Limited air flow can be realized by utilizing reduced (size) openings soonly a small amount of air flows into and out of the compartment(s),with the incoming air is filtered through a filter, such as a highefficiency particulate air filter.

It is also noted that in an ice transport application, the tubes thattransport ice with an air flow will maintain a positive air pressure.The air would flow in the same direction, as the ice, to the exit point.

Ice transport makes it possible to separate ice storage from icedispensing.

For example, in most eating establishments, a large ice machine with alarge storage bin can be placed in a backroom or basement. The ice canbe made overnight and at slow times. By utilizing an ice transportsystem, smaller ice dispensing units can be placed in the front of therestaurant where the ice is needed. To facilitate the non co-locatedsmaller ice dispensing units, the ice transport system transports theice from the large storage bin in the backroom or basement to multipleareas in the front.

As discussed above, a positive air pressure ice machine also includes anice bin where a batch of the fresh wet ice made in a positive airpressure ice environment is dropped onto a surface (tray) inside arefrigerated ice bin (positive air pressure ice environment).

The ice is allowed to freeze and is then transferred to a tray below andthen transferred to the bottom of the bin by gravity, which allows theice to shatter, but still retain the shape of the original cubes.

In the case of ice machines with bins (FIG. 14), there is a large door530 that is opened so a large bucket can be put into the ice bin toscoop out ice. This bucket of ice is then manually transported toanother location, usually a place where drinks are served, and thendumped into a bin associated with that drink station.

Since there is a very large door in the bin, when the door opens, theair pressure will drop to zero. If a larger blower and high efficiencyparticulate air filter were placed on top of the ice machine, at somepoint a minimum level of air pressure would be achieved, but this mightrequire a large blower.

Thus, to keep the blower size small, an air shield (540 of FIG. 14) maybe place between the bin and the ice machine. A small opening is formedin the shield, and a flexible flap is placed over the opening. The flapremains closed at all times, except when an ice slab is harvested fromthe ice machine.

The ice slab drops by gravity through the opening, pushing the flapopen. In this way, positive air pressure in the “food zone” of the icemachine can be maintained.

It is further noted that regarding ice transport, ice can be transportedin a flexible tube or solid tube without an auger when the tube ismaintained in a state of positive air pressure with high efficiencyparticulate air filtered air. As ice enters the tube, it is transportedbecause the air pressure is increased enough to propel the ice to aremote destination. Thus, the transport tubes are always maintainedunder positive air pressure from a high efficiency particulate airfilter.

FIG. 17 illustrates a hermetically sealed condenser unit 710 thatincludes a motor 730 and a fan 720. The hermetically sealed condenserunit 710 is hermetically sealed with respect to a mechanical zone 760,as illustrated in FIG. 19, and a food (ice) zone 770, as illustrated inFIG. 19. The hermetically sealed condenser unit 710 further includes achannel which receives ambient air from an opening 715. This opening 715may be located in the exterior wall of the ice machine of othercompartment wherein the ambient air is not drawn from a food (ice) zone770, as illustrated in FIG. 19.

The ambient air is forced over a condenser 740, as illustrated in FIG.18, to enable the compressed vapor to remove the heat from theliquidation process being carried out in the condenser 740. The forcedair leaves the hermetically sealed condenser unit 710 to the ambientenvironment (exterior of the ice machine.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, a hermetically sealed condenser unit 750 canbe located within the mechanical zone 760. As noted above, thehermetically sealed condenser unit 750 is hermetically sealed withrespect to the mechanical zone 760 and the food (ice) zone 770.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the opening 715 for receiving theambient air is located in the side wall of the mechanical zone 760 so asto receive air from outside the mechanical zone 760.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, a compressor 790 and sump pump 780 can alsobe located within the mechanical zone 760.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17-20, a hermetically sealed unitary condenser,fan and fan motor unit can be built inside an ice machine, thereby notmarkedly increasing the size of the machine. By integrating thecondenser unit in the ice machine, a three zone ice machine (Food Zone,Mechanical Zone, and Condenser Zone) created in the same or similarfoot-print of the original machine.

FIG. 21 illustrates a two-speed or dual motor high efficiencyparticulate air filtered ice machine. As illustrated in FIG. 21, atwo-speed or dual motor high efficiency particulate air filtered blower810 provides positive air pressure through a conduit 820 to the icemachine 830.

It is noted that the two-speed or dual motor high efficiency particulateair filtered blower 810 may provide positive air pressure through aconduit 820 to a food (ice) zone of the ice machine 830.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the two-speed or dual motor high efficiencyparticulate air filtered blower includes a main blower 850 and a backupblower 840. Moreover, the two-speed or dual motor high efficiencyparticulate air filtered blower may include backup blower flaps 860which are closed when the backup blower 840 is not in use.

It is noted that instead of two motors, as illustrated in FIG. 22, asingle dual speed motor may be used.

The two-speed or dual motor high efficiency particulate air filteredblower blows air into the food zone at two speeds.

For example, the main blower 850 may blow at a low speed when thecondenser fan is OFF, and the backup blower 840 may blow at a higherspeed when the condenser fan is ON.

If a single two-speed blower is utilized, the blower would blow at a lowspeed when the condenser fan is OFF and blow at a higher speed when thecondenser fan is ON.

By utilizing dual motors or a single dual-speed motor, ice melting isreduced because the low speed is ON all the time, while the high speedis only utilized when the condenser motor is ON.

It is noted that the two-speed or dual motor high efficiency particulateair filtered blower can be placed almost anywhere near the ice machine.

It is noted that existing ice machines can be converted to highefficiency particulate air filtered positive air pressure ice machinesby putting a hole in the food zone so that the conduit of the two-speedor dual motor high efficiency particulate air filtered blower can bereadily attached to the ice machine.

Additional control circuitry and wiring would be needed so that thetwo-speed or dual motor high efficiency particulate air filtered blowerwould operate in synchronism with the operational state of the condensermotor.

To commission or test the high efficiency particulate air filteredpositive air pressure ice machine, an installer would use a particlecounter to insure the system works.

FIG. 23 illustrates another example of a high efficiency particulate airfiltered blower unit 900 integrated with an ice machine.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the high efficiency particulate air filteredblower unit 900 may include a controller 910 for controlling theoperations of the high efficiency particulate air filtered blower unit900 with respect to the operational state of the condenser motor.

Moreover, the high efficiency particulate air filtered blower unit 900can be modified to have a receptacle to receive the power plug 925(power cord 920) provide power to the ice machine so that ice machinecannot operate if the high efficiency particulate air filtered blowerunit 900 is not installed.

It is noted that the power plug and receptacle can be uniquely designedto prevent the ice machine to plug into a conventional power source.

Moreover, the controller 910 could interrupt the power to the icemachine if the controller 910 detects any problems with the highefficiency particulate air filtered blower unit 900, such as dirty airfilters, malfunctioning blower(s), etc.

The high efficiency particulate air filtered blower unit 900 isconnected to the food (ice) zone 770 through opening 930.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, a small hole 940 may be provided in the food(ice) zone 770, which extends to a known dirty location place in the icemachine so that a swabbing device can be inserted into the ice machinefor the purposes of taking a culture to determine if the ice machineneeds to be sanitized.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, a high efficiency particulate air filteredblower unit 900 may include a controller 910 for controlling theoperations of the high efficiency particulate air filtered blower unit900 with respect to the operational state of the condenser motor.

Moreover, the high efficiency particulate air filtered blower unit 900may utilize high efficiency particulate air filters 970, which includeradio-frequency identification device or other identification device ortag 975, to inform the controller 910 if an authorized high efficiencyparticulate air filter 970 has been installed.

The radio-frequency identification device or other identification deviceor tag 975 may be detected by a sensor 950 which communicates to thecontroller 910. Moreover, the radio-frequency identification device orother identification device or tag 975 may include information aboutauthorization and expected life span. This information is communicatedto the controller 910 and used by the controller 910 to properly operatethe high efficiency particulate air filtered blower unit 900.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 24, a control panel 960 may be provideto inform the owner of the ice machine if the high efficiencyparticulate air filter 970 is authorized and/or at the end of life. Thecontrol panel 960 may also provide warnings to the owner regarding anapproaching end of life and a need to secure additional high efficiencyparticulate air filters 970.

By utilizing an radio-frequency identification device and reader in testthe high efficiency particulate air filtered positive air pressure icemachine and a radio-frequency identification device embedded in thefilters, the high efficiency particulate air filtered positive airpressure ice machine's electronics can verify that an authorized filterhas been installed, and using an internal clock, warn the ice machineowner that the filter needs to be changed with something like a beepingand if the filter is not changed, turn OFF the machine before the icebecomes unsafe to eat.

It is noted that an ice making system may include an ice making zone forcreating ice; a mechanical zone for housing mechanical devices used inmaking ice; and a sealed condenser unit. The sealed condenser unit mayinclude a fan, a condenser motor to operate the fan, and a condenser.The condenser may be cooled by air blown by the fan. The sealedcondenser unit may be sealed with respect to the ice making zone and themechanical zone.

The sealed condenser unit may have a first opening, exterior of themechanical zone, to enable the operated fan to draw ambient airtherefrom. The sealed condenser unit may have a second opening, exteriorof the mechanical zone, to expel thereto the air blown by the operatedfan.

The sealed condenser unit may be hermetically sealed with respect to theice making zone and the mechanical zone.

The sealed condenser unit may be located within the mechanical zone.

The sealed condenser unit may be attached to the ice making system andlocated outside the mechanical zone.

An ice making system may include an ice making system to receive waterfrom a water supply. The ice making system may include an ice producingsubsystem to create ice from the received water, the ice producingsystem including a condenser, and a positive air pressure subsystem tocreate and maintain a positive air pressure environment within the icemaking system. The positive air pressure subsystem may include a firstblower and a second blower.

The first blower operates at a first speed when the condenser of the iceproducing subsystem is operational, and the second blower operates at asecond speed when the condenser of the ice producing subsystem isnon-operational, the second speed being slower than the first speed.

The positive air pressure subsystem may include an ultraviolet systemfor irradiating air passing through the positive air pressure subsystem.

The positive air pressure subsystem may include a controller, a pressuresensor, and a high efficiency particulate air filter. The controlleractivates the second blower when the pressure sensor measures an airpressure within the ice producing subsystem below a predetermined airpressure and the condenser of the ice producing subsystem isnon-operational. The controller activates the first blower when thepressure sensor measures an air pressure within the ice producingsubsystem below a predetermined air pressure and the condenser of theice producing subsystem is operational.

The ice making system may include an ice storage device, operativelyconnected to the ice making system, for storing the created ice; and anair shield located between the ice making system and the ice storagedevice to maintain a positive air pressure within the ice making systemand to enable transference of the created ice from the ice making systemto the ice storage device.

The ice making system may include an ice dispensing system, operativelyconnected to the ice making system, for dispensing the created ice; andan air shield located between the ice making system and the icedispensing system to maintain a positive air pressure within the icemaking system and to enable transference of the created ice from the icemaking system through the ice dispensing system.

An ice making system may include an ice making system to receive waterfrom a water supply. The ice making system may include an ice producingsubsystem to create ice from the received water, the ice producingsystem including a condenser, and a positive air pressure subsystem tocreate and maintain a positive air pressure environment within the icemaking system. The positive air pressure subsystem may include a dualspeed blower.

The dual speed blower may operate at a first speed when the condenser ofthe ice producing subsystem is operational and operate at a second speedwhen the condenser of the ice producing subsystem is non-operational,the second speed being slower than the first speed.

The positive air pressure subsystem may include an ultraviolet systemfor irradiating air passing through the positive air pressure subsystem.

The positive air pressure subsystem may include a controller, a pressuresensor, and a high efficiency particulate air filter.

The controller activates the dual speed blower to operate at the secondspeed when the pressure sensor measures an air pressure within the iceproducing subsystem below a predetermined air pressure and the condenserof the ice producing subsystem is non-operational and activates the dualspeed blower to operate at the first speed when the pressure sensormeasures an air pressure within the ice producing subsystem below apredetermined air pressure and the condenser of the ice producingsubsystem is operational.

The ice making system may include an ice storage device, operativelyconnected to the ice making system, for storing the created ice; and anair shield located between the ice making system and the ice storagedevice to maintain a positive air pressure within the ice making systemand to enable transference of the created ice from the ice making systemto the ice storage device.

The ice making system may include an ice dispensing system, operativelyconnected to the ice making system, for dispensing the created ice; andan air shield located between the ice making system and the icedispensing system to maintain a positive air pressure within the icemaking system and to enable transference of the created ice from the icemaking system through the ice dispensing system.

An ice making system may include an ice making system to receive waterfrom a water supply. The ice making system may include an ice producingsubsystem to create ice from the received water, the ice producingsystem including a condenser; a high efficiency particulate filtered airpositive air pressure subsystem to create and maintain a positive airpressure environment within the ice making system; and a controller. Thecontroller causes the ice producing subsystem to become non-operationalwhen the controller determines that the high efficiency particulatefiltered air positive air pressure subsystem is non-operational.

The ice making system may include an opening that extends from anexterior of the ice making system into an interior of the ice makingsystem to enable a swab device to take a culture sample of an area ofinterest within the ice making system.

The opening may be configured to reduce any air pressure loss within theice making system.

An ice making system may include an ice making system to receive waterfrom a water supply. The ice making system may include an ice producingsubsystem to create ice from the received water, the ice producingsystem including a condenser; a high efficiency particulate filtered airpositive air pressure subsystem to create and maintain a positive airpressure environment within the ice making system; and a controller. Thecontroller causes the ice producing subsystem to become non-operationalwhen the controller determines that the high efficiency particulatefiltered air positive air pressure subsystem is operating incorrectly.

The ice making system may include an opening that extends from anexterior of the ice making system into an interior of the ice makingsystem to enable a swab device to take a culture sample of an area ofinterest within the ice making system.

The opening may be configured to reduce any air pressure loss within theice making system.

An ice making system may include an ice making system to receive waterfrom a water supply.

The ice making system may include an ice producing subsystem to createice from the received water, the ice producing system including acondenser; a high efficiency particulate filtered air positive airpressure subsystem to create and maintain a positive air pressureenvironment within the ice making system; and a controller. The highefficiency particulate filtered air positive air pressure subsystemincludes a high efficiency particulate air filter having a detectableidentification tag. The high efficiency particulate filtered airpositive air pressure subsystem includes a sensor to detect theidentification tag and collect information therefrom. The controllercauses the ice producing subsystem to become non-operational when thecontroller determines, from information received from the sensor, thatthe high efficiency particulate air filter is not an authorized highefficiency particulate air filter.

The controller may cause the ice producing subsystem to becomenon-operational when the controller determines, from informationreceived from the sensor, that the high efficiency particulate airfilter has reached an end of life state.

The controller, through a user interface, may inform a user, based uponinformation received from the sensor, that the high efficiencyparticulate air filter has reached an end of life state.

An ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to create iceand a positive air pressure subsystem to create and maintain a positiveair pressure environment within the ice making system. The ice producingsubsystem includes a condenser and a condenser fan. The positive airpressure subsystem includes a dual speed fan having a first speed and asecond speed, the first speed being lower than the second speed.

The dual speed fan blows air into the ice making system at the firstspeed when the condenser fan is OFF. The dual speed fan blows air intothe ice making system at the second speed when the condenser fan is ON.

The positive air pressure subsystem may include a high efficiencyparticulate air filter. The positive air pressure subsystem may includean ultraviolet system for irradiating air passing through the positiveair pressure subsystem. The positive air pressure subsystem may includea controller, wherein the controller causes the dual speed fan to blowair into the ice making system at the second speed when the condenserfan is ON.

The ice making system may include an ice storage device, operativelyconnected to the producing subsystem, for storing the created ice and anair shield located between the ice producing subsystem and the icestorage device to maintain a positive air pressure within the iceproducing subsystem and to enable transference of the created ice fromthe ice producing subsystem to the ice storage device.

The ice making system may include an ice dispensing system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for dispensing the created iceand an air shield located between the ice producing subsystem and theice dispensing system to maintain a positive air pressure within the iceproducing subsystem and to enable transference of the created ice fromthe ice producing subsystem through the ice dispensing system.

The ice making system may include an ice transport system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for transporting the createdice to areas of ice dispensing, wherein the ice transport systemincludes an auger to move the created ice from the ice producingsubsystem to the areas of ice dispensing.

The ice making system may include an ice transport system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for transporting the createdice to areas of ice dispensing, wherein the ice transport system usesthe positive air pressure created by the positive air pressure subsystemto move the created ice from the ice producing subsystem to the areas ofice dispensing.

An ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to create ice;and a positive air pressure subsystem to create and maintain a positiveair pressure environment within the ice making system. The ice producingsubsystem includes a condenser and a condenser fan. The positive airpressure subsystem includes a dual speed fan having a first speed and asecond speed, the first speed being lower than the second speed. Thepositive air pressure subsystem includes a controller, a pressuresensor, and a high efficiency particulate filter. The controller causesthe dual speed fan to blow air into the ice making system at the firstspeed when the condenser fan is OFF. The controller causes the dualspeed fan to blow air into the ice making system at the second speedwhen the condenser fan is ON. The controller causes the dual speed fanto blow air into the ice making system at the second speed when thepressure sensor measures an air pressure within the ice producingsubsystem is below a predetermined air pressure.

The ice making system may include an ice storage device, operativelyconnected to the producing subsystem, for storing the created ice and anair shield located between the ice producing subsystem and the icestorage device to maintain a positive air pressure within the iceproducing subsystem and to enable transference of the created ice fromthe ice producing subsystem to the ice storage device.

The ice making system may include an ice dispensing system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for dispensing the created iceand an air shield located between the ice producing subsystem and theice dispensing system to maintain a positive air pressure within the iceproducing subsystem and to enable transference of the created ice fromthe ice producing subsystem through the ice dispensing system.

An ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to create ice;and a positive air pressure subsystem to create and maintain a positiveair pressure environment within the ice making system.

The positive air pressure subsystem includes a fan and a filter. Thepositive air pressure subsystem includes a controller for controllingpower to the ice making system. The controller interrupts power to theice making system when the controller detects a problem with thepositive air pressure subsystem.

The ice producing subsystem may include a condenser and a condenser fan,wherein the fan, being a dual speed fan having a first speed and asecond speed, the first speed being lower than the second speed, blowsair into the ice making system at the first speed when the condenser fanis OFF and blows air into the ice making system at the second speed whenthe condenser fan is ON.

The filter may be a high efficiency particulate air filter.

The positive air pressure subsystem may include an ultraviolet systemfor irradiating air passing through the positive air pressure subsystem.

The ice making system may include an ice storage device, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for storing the created iceand an air shield located between the ice producing subsystem and theice storage device to maintain a positive air pressure within the icemaking system and to enable transference of the created ice from the iceproducing subsystem to the ice storage device.

The ice making system may include an ice dispensing system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for dispensing the created iceand an air shield located between the ice producing subsystem and theice dispensing system to maintain a positive air pressure within the icemaking system and to enable transference of the created ice from the iceproducing subsystem through the ice dispensing system.

The ice making system may include an ice transport system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for transporting the createdice to areas of ice dispensing, wherein the ice transport systemincludes an auger to move the created ice from the ice producingsubsystem to the areas of ice dispensing.

The ice making system may include an ice transport system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for transporting the createdice to areas of ice dispensing, wherein the ice transport system usesthe positive air pressure created by the positive air pressure subsystemto move the created ice from the ice producing subsystem to the areas ofice dispensing.

The controller may interrupt power to the ice making system when thecontroller detects a dirty filter.

The controller may interrupt power to the ice making system when thecontroller detects a malfunctioning fan.

An ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to create iceand a positive air pressure subsystem to create and maintain a positiveair pressure environment within the ice making system. The positive airpressure subsystem includes a fan and a filter. The positive airpressure subsystem includes a control device for controlling power tothe ice making system. The control device prevents power to the icemaking system when the positive air pressure subsystem is not installed.

The ice producing subsystem may include a condenser and a condenser fan,wherein the fan, being a dual speed fan having a first speed and asecond speed, the first speed being lower than the second speed, blowsair into the ice making system at the first speed when the condenser fanis OFF and blows air into the ice making system at the second speed whenthe condenser fan is ON.

The filter may be a high efficiency particulate air filter.

The positive air pressure subsystem may include an ultraviolet systemfor irradiating air passing through the positive air pressure subsystem.

The ice making system may include an ice storage device, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for storing the created iceand an air shield located between the ice producing subsystem and theice storage device to maintain a positive air pressure within the icemaking system and to enable transference of the created ice from the iceproducing subsystem to the ice storage device.

The ice making system may include an ice dispensing system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for dispensing the created iceand an air shield located between the ice producing subsystem and theice dispensing system to maintain a positive air pressure within the icemaking system and to enable transference of the created ice from the iceproducing subsystem through the ice dispensing system.

The ice making system may include an ice transport system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for transporting the createdice to areas of ice dispensing, wherein the ice transport systemincludes an auger to move the created ice from the ice producingsubsystem to the areas of ice dispensing.

The ice making system may include an ice transport system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for transporting the createdice to areas of ice dispensing, wherein the ice transport system usesthe positive air pressure created by the positive air pressure subsystemto move the created ice from the ice producing subsystem to the areas ofice dispensing.

An ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to create iceand a positive air pressure subsystem to create and maintain a positiveair pressure environment within the ice making system. The positive airpressure subsystem includes a fan and a high efficiency particulate airfilter, the high efficiency particulate air filter including anidentification device. The positive air pressure subsystem includes acontroller for controlling operations of the ice making system. Thepositive air pressure subsystem includes a sensor, operatively connectedto the controller, to detect the identification device of the highefficiency particulate air filter. The controller terminates operationsof the ice making system when the controller determines, by the sensorfailing to detect the identification device of the high efficiencyparticulate air filter, that high efficiency particulate air filter isnot installed in the positive air pressure subsystem.

The ice producing subsystem may include a condenser and a condenser fan,wherein the fan, being a dual speed fan having a first speed and asecond speed, the first speed being lower than the second speed, blowsair into the ice making system at the first speed when the condenser fanis OFF and blows air into the ice making system at the second speed whenthe condenser fan is ON.

The identification device may include life span information for theassociated high efficiency particulate air filter, wherein thecontroller provides a warning when the controller determines the highefficiency particulate air filter is approaching end of life.

The controller may terminate operations of the ice making system whenthe controller determines that the high efficiency particulate airfilter is at end of life.

The positive air pressure subsystem may include an ultraviolet systemfor irradiating air passing through the positive air pressure subsystem.

The ice making system may include an ice storage device, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for storing the created iceand an air shield located between the ice producing subsystem and theice storage device to maintain a positive air pressure within the icemaking system and to enable transference of the created ice from the iceproducing subsystem to the ice storage device.

The ice making system may include an ice dispensing system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for dispensing the created iceand an air shield located between the ice producing subsystem and theice dispensing system to maintain a positive air pressure within the icemaking system and to enable transference of the created ice from the iceproducing subsystem through the ice dispensing system.

The ice making system may include an ice transport system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for transporting the createdice to areas of ice dispensing, wherein the ice transport systemincludes an auger to move the created ice from the ice producingsubsystem to the areas of ice dispensing.

The ice making system may include an ice transport system, operativelyconnected to the ice producing subsystem, for transporting the createdice to areas of ice dispensing, wherein the ice transport system usesthe positive air pressure created by the positive air pressure subsystemto move the created ice from the ice producing subsystem to the areas ofice dispensing.

The controller may terminate operations of the ice making system whenthe controller detects a dirty high efficiency particulate air filter.

The controller may terminate operations of the ice making system whenthe controller detects a malfunctioning fan.

The identification device may be a RFID tag.

An ice making system includes an ice producing subsystem to create ice;and a positive air pressure subsystem to create and maintain a positiveair pressure environment within the ice making system. The positive airpressure subsystem includes a fan and a high efficiency particulate airfilter, the high efficiency particulate air filter including anidentification device. The positive air pressure subsystem includes acontrol device for controlling power to the ice making system. Thecontrol device prevents power to the ice making system when the positiveair pressure subsystem is not installed. The positive air pressuresubsystem includes a controller for controlling operations of the icemaking system. The positive air pressure subsystem includes a sensor,operatively connected to the controller, to detect the identificationdevice of the high efficiency particulate air filter. The controllerterminates operations of the ice making system when the controllerdetermines, by the sensor failing to detect the identification device ofthe high efficiency particulate air filter, that high efficiencyparticulate air filter is not installed in the positive air pressuresubsystem.

The ice producing subsystem may include a condenser and a condenser fan,wherein the fan, being a dual speed fan having a first speed and asecond speed, the first speed being lower than the second speed, blowsair into the ice making system at the first speed when the condenser fanis OFF and blows air into the ice making system at the second speed whenthe condenser fan is ON.

The identification device may include life span information for theassociated high efficiency particulate air filter, wherein thecontroller provides a warning when the controller determines the highefficiency particulate air filter is approaching end of life.

The controller may terminate operations of the ice making system whenthe controller determines that the high efficiency particulate airfilter is at end of life.

The positive air pressure subsystem may include an ultraviolet systemfor irradiating air passing through the positive air pressure subsystem.

The controller may terminate operations of the ice making system whenthe controller detects a dirty high efficiency particulate air filter.

The controller may terminate operations of the ice making system whenthe controller detects a malfunctioning fan.

The identification device may be a RFID tag.

It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosedembodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof,may be desirably combined into many other different systems orapplications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended tobe encompassed by the description above and the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ice making system, comprising: an iceproducing subsystem to create ice; and a positive air pressure subsystemto create and maintain a positive air pressure environment within theice making system; said positive air pressure subsystem including, afan, a pressure sensor located in said ice producing subsystem, and afilter; said ice producing subsystem including a power plug and powercord for providing power to said ice producing subsystem; said positiveair pressure subsystem including a receptacle for connecting to saidpower plug of said ice producing subsystem; said positive air pressuresubsystem providing power to said ice producing subsystem through theconnection of said receptacle and said power plug; said positive airpressure subsystem including a controller for controlling the powerbeing provided to said ice producing subsystem; said controlleractivating said fan when said pressure sensor measures an air pressurewithin the ice making system below a predetermined air pressure; saidcontroller interrupting the power being provided to said ice producingsubsystem when said controller detects that said filter is dirty; saidcontroller interrupting the power being provided to said ice producingsubsystem when said controller detects said fan is malfunctioning. 2.The ice making system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ice producingsubsystem includes a condenser and a condenser fan; said fan being adual speed fan having a first speed and a second speed, said first speedbeing lower than said second speed; said dual speed fan blowing air intothe ice making system at said first speed when said condenser fan isOFF; said dual speed fan blowing air into the ice making system at saidsecond speed when said condenser fan is ON.
 3. The ice making system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said filter is a high efficiency particulateair filter.
 4. The ice making system as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidpositive air pressure subsystem includes an ultraviolet system forirradiating air passing through said positive air pressure subsystem. 5.The ice making system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an icestorage device, operatively connected to said ice producing subsystem,for storing the created ice; an air shield located between said iceproducing subsystem and said ice storage device to maintain saidpositive air pressure within said ice making system and to enabletransference of the created ice from said ice producing subsystem tosaid ice storage device.
 6. The ice making system as claimed in claim 1,further comprising: an ice dispensing system, operatively connected tosaid ice producing subsystem, for dispensing the created ice; an airshield located between said ice producing subsystem and said icedispensing system to maintain a said positive air pressure within saidice making system and to enable transference of the created ice fromsaid ice producing subsystem through said ice dispensing system.
 7. Theice making system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an icetransport system, operatively connected to said ice producing subsystem,for transporting the created ice to areas of ice dispensing; said icetransport system including an auger to move the created ice from saidice producing subsystem to the areas of ice dispensing.
 8. The icemaking system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an icetransport system, operatively connected to said ice producing subsystem,for transporting the created ice to areas of ice dispensing; said icetransport system using the positive air pressure created by saidpositive air pressure subsystem to move the created ice from said iceproducing subsystem to the areas of ice dispensing.
 9. The ice makingsystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined air pressure ishigher than an ambient air pressure outside the ice making system. 10.An ice making system, comprising: an ice producing subsystem to createice; and a positive air pressure subsystem to create and maintain apositive air pressure environment within the ice making system; saidpositive air pressure subsystem including, a fan, a controller, apressure sensor located in said ice producing subsystem, and a filter;said controller activating said fan when said pressure sensor measuresan air pressure within the ice making system below a predetermined airpressure; said ice producing subsystem including a power plug and powercord for providing power to said ice producing subsystem; said positiveair pressure subsystem including a receptacle; said power plug of saidice producing subsystem being physically configured to be plugged intosaid receptacle of said positive air pressure subsystem; said receptacleof said positive air pressure subsystem being physically configured forconnecting to said power plug of said ice producing subsystem; saidpositive air pressure subsystem providing power to said ice producingsubsystem through the connection of said receptacle of said positive airpressure subsystem and said power plug of said ice producing subsystem;said power plug of said ice producing subsystem and said receptacle ofsaid ice producing subsystem being uniquely designed and physicallyconfigured to prevent said ice producing subsystem from plugging into aconventional power source.
 11. The ice making system as claimed in claim10, wherein said ice producing subsystem includes a condenser and acondenser fan; said fan being a dual speed fan having a first speed anda second speed, said first speed being lower than said second speed;said dual speed fan blowing air into said ice making system at saidfirst speed when said condenser fan is OFF; said dual speed fan blowingair into said ice making system at said second speed when said condenserfan is ON.
 12. The ice making system as claimed in claim 10, whereinsaid filter is a high efficiency particulate air filter.
 13. The icemaking system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said positive air pressuresubsystem includes an ultraviolet system for irradiating air passingthrough said positive air pressure subsystem.
 14. The ice making systemas claimed in claim 10, further comprising: an ice storage device,operatively connected to said ice producing subsystem, for storing thecreated ice; an air shield located between said ice producing subsystemand said ice storage device to maintain said positive air pressurewithin said ice making system and to enable transference of the createdice from said ice producing subsystem to said ice storage device. 15.The ice making system as claimed in claim 10, further comprising: an icedispensing system, operatively connected to said ice producingsubsystem, for dispensing the created ice; an air shield located betweensaid ice producing subsystem and said ice dispensing system to maintainsaid positive air pressure within said ice making system and to enabletransference of the created ice from said ice producing subsystemthrough said ice dispensing system.
 16. The ice making system as claimedin claim 10, further comprising: an ice transport system, operativelyconnected to said ice producing subsystem, for transporting the createdice to areas of ice dispensing; said ice transport system including anauger to move the created ice from said ice producing subsystem to theareas of ice dispensing.
 17. The ice making system as claimed in claim10, further comprising: an ice transport system, operatively connectedto said ice producing subsystem, for transporting the created ice toareas of ice dispensing; said ice transport system using the positiveair pressure created by said positive air pressure subsystem to move thecreated ice from said ice producing subsystem to the areas of icedispensing.
 18. The ice making system as claimed in claim 10, whereinsaid predetermined air pressure is higher than an ambient air pressureoutside the ice making system.
 19. An ice making system, comprising: anice producing subsystem to create ice; and a positive air pressuresubsystem to create and maintain a positive air pressure environmentwithin the ice making system; said positive air pressure subsystemincluding a fan and a filter; said ice producing subsystem including apower plug and power cord for providing power to said ice producingsubsystem; said positive air pressure subsystem including a receptaclefor connecting to said power plug of said ice producing subsystem; saidpositive air pressure subsystem providing power to said ice producingsubsystem through the connection of said receptacle and said power plug;said positive air pressure subsystem including a controller forcontrolling the power being provided to said ice producing subsystem;said controller interrupting the power being provided to said iceproducing subsystem when said controller detects a problem with saidpositive air pressure subsystem; said ice producing subsystem includinga condenser and a condenser fan; said fan of said positive air pressuresubsystem being a dual speed fan having a first speed and a secondspeed, said first speed being lower than said second speed; said dualspeed fan blowing air into said ice making system at said first speedwhen said condenser fan is OFF; said dual speed fan blowing air intosaid ice making system at said second speed when said condenser fan isON.